Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) presented its 9th annual Compassionate Caregiver Award of Distinction and the 2015/16 Patient Safety Award earlier this month during National Nursing Week.
The Compassionate Caregiver Award of Distinction is a Royal Copenhagen figurine, gifted to CKHA in 2008 by an anonymous donor in appreciation of care provided to their loved one. The award comes with a financial gift to be used towards education at CKHA to further staff expertise in caring for patients.
The recipient of the 2016 Compassionate Caregiver Award of Distinction is Sharron Copeland-Lozon, Patient Care Assistant, Complex Continuing Care. At a special nursing week event held today at CKHA, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Willi Kirenko, read from the Nominator’s letter of appreciation: “Sharron has provided exceptional care to one of the patients on the Continuing Care unit. She has assisted in the development and implementation of an individualized patient care plan, has developed education and provided training for several Patient Care Attendants surrounding the care of this patient. The patient has benefitted enormously from Sharron’s dedication to improving the wellbeing and quality of life for our patients. Sharron is always greeting everyone by name and with a smile, and she makes sure she not only goes above and beyond for our patients, but for her fellow employees as well.”
“This year’s recipient is a true role model of compassionate care. The passion we see in her work and the pride she takes in her patients’ progress, benefits not only patients, but the whole healthcare team. With these qualities, she gains trust from the people she cares for, their family members and other healthcare providers along a patient’s care path. Thank you Sharron for exemplifying CKHA’s vision of being An Exceptional Community Hospital, Setting Standards – Exceeding Expectations,” said Kirenko.
Every year, the Quality/Risk and Patient Safety Department presents an annual Patient Safety Award to an individual or team who made a significant contribution to patient safety in the past year. The nominations are evaluated for impact on risk reduction, ability to be measured, spread and sustained, and if patients and families were engaged in the process. The 2015/16 award nominations were reviewed by a panel of volunteer Patient Experience Advisors and the first place award went to Janet Thompson, Pharmacist.
Janet was instrumental in the rollout of the new Sigma smart infusion pumps at CKHA. These new pumps have ‘smart pump’ technology, strengthening the organization’s patient safety strategy. Thanks to the collaboration between the Pharmacy team, Professional Practice and Nursing leadership, the launch of 300 pumps hospital-wide was a monumental success. Janet’s undertaking of the Master Drug Library (MDL) build before the launch was invaluable. Due to her dedication, time and precise work toward the MDL build, nursing staff can be confident that they will be administering the drug safely and appropriately for patients. Since the new pumps launched, CKHA has seen upwards of 98 per cent compliance with the MDL. Janet is humble in her excellence – she dedicated much time, energy and enthusiasm into the MDL build because she knows that every time an infusion pump is used, a patient is receiving a drug.
All nominees were congratulated for their work by Willi Kirenko, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive. In congratulating the recipient, Kirenko said, “Janet’s work in the Sigma spectrum infusion pump launch goes above and beyond expectations. Her dedication means everyday patients are receiving the safest possible care, she is truly committed to keeping our patients safe.”
For the first time, CKHA’s Compassionate Caregiver Award of Distinction and Patient Safety Award were presented together during National Nursing Week.
Here are submitted photos of the award recipients:
(From left to right): Sarah Padfield, Chief Operating Officer, Willi Kirenko, Vice President & Chief Nursing Executive, Sharron Copeland-Lozon, Compassionate Caregiver Award of Distinction recipient and Colin Patey, President & CEO.
(From left to right): Sarah Padfield, Chief Operating Officer, Willi Kirenko, Vice President & Chief Nursing Executive, Janet Thompson, Patient Safety Award recipient and Colin Patey, President & CEO.
